When it comes to dental emergencies, they can be incredibly painful and unexpected. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted dental team on your side to guide you through the process. At Island Dental Associates, our experienced Long Island dentist and staff have seen it all and are here to help. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 most common dental emergencies and provide expert advice on what to do in each situation. Don’t let a dental emergency ruin your day – read on for helpful tips and tricks!

Toothache

One of the most common dental emergencies is a toothache. This is characterized by a dull, throbbing, or sharp pain in or around the tooth. Toothaches can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as decay, a cavity, or an abscess. 

If you are experiencing a toothache, the first step is to rinse your mouth with warm water. Then, use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be trapped between teeth. If the pain persists, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. 

It’s important to note that if your toothache is accompanied by swelling or fever, it may be a sign of an infection and you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious problems. 

At Island Dental Associates, we offer emergency dental services for those experiencing a toothache or other dental emergency. Don’t suffer in silence, call us right away for an appointment.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Another common dental emergency is chipped or broken teeth. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as trauma from a fall or a blow to the face, biting down on hard food, or even tooth decay weakening the structure of the tooth. 

If you have chipped or broken a tooth, it is important to seek immediate dental attention. In the meantime, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce any swelling. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth or area and if you have any sharp edges, cover them with dental wax to prevent them from cutting your tongue or cheek.

Depending on the severity of the damage, treatment options can range from bonding or filling for minor chips to a root canal or tooth extraction for more severe cases. If possible, save any broken tooth fragments and bring them to your dental appointment as they may be able to be reattached.

It is important to note that if a broken tooth is left untreated, it can lead to further damage such as infection or even tooth loss. So, do not ignore any signs of a chipped or broken tooth, and seek professional dental help immediately.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Having a tooth knocked out can be a scary experience, but it’s important to remain calm and take quick action. Whether it’s due to a sports injury or accident, a knocked-out tooth can often be saved if you act fast.

First, try to find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the part that is usually visible in the mouth). Avoid touching the root if possible. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with water or milk but do not scrub or use any cleaning products.

Next, try to place the tooth back in the socket as soon as possible. Gently push it into place and hold it there with your fingers or a clean cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place it in a container with milk or saliva.

It’s important to see a dentist right away if you have a knocked-out tooth. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that the tooth can be saved. Your dentist will try to reposition the tooth and splint it to the adjacent teeth. They may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

In some cases, a knocked-out tooth cannot be saved. In these cases, your dentist may recommend a dental implant or bridge to replace the missing tooth.

Remember, quick action is key when it comes to a knocked-out tooth. Stay calm, retrieve the tooth, and get to a dentist as soon as possible for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Lost Filling or Crown

Another common dental emergency is when a filling or crown falls out. This can be quite alarming, as it can cause sensitivity, and pain, and make it difficult to chew. 

If you lose a filling, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can try filling the hole with sugarless gum or dental cement until you can get to the dentist. This will help protect the tooth and prevent further damage.

If a crown falls out, be sure to save it and bring it with you to the dentist. In the meantime, you can try to put the crown back on the tooth using dental adhesive. However, it’s important to note that this is only a temporary fix and you will still need to see a dentist as soon as possible.

If you experience a lost filling or crown, it’s important to remember not to delay seeking treatment. Waiting too long can cause the tooth to decay further, resulting in more complex and expensive treatment down the line.

At Island Dental Associates, our team of experienced dentists is here to help with any dental emergency. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you experience a lost filling or crown, or any other dental emergency.

Abscessed Teeth

An abscessed tooth occurs when there is an infection in the tooth’s pulp or nerve. It can be extremely painful and cause swelling in the face, jaw, and neck. It is important to seek treatment immediately as the infection can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. 

If you are experiencing an abscessed tooth, here are some steps you can take before seeing a dentist: 

– Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce swelling and clean the affected area 

– Take over-the-counter pain medication to manage the pain 

– Use a cold compress to reduce swelling 

– Avoid hot or cold drinks as they can worsen the pain 

To treat an abscessed tooth, a dentist will need to drain the infection and prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary. It is important to keep up with good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent dental infections like abscesses from occurring in the first place.

Contact Us To Learn More

If you’re interested in improving your smile, contact Island Dental Associates in Franklin Square, NY at 516-271-0775, for more information. Their experienced team of professionals can provide you with detailed advice on the type of implants available and whether or not they’re suitable for your individual needs. With their help, you can achieve a beautiful and confident smile that lasts a lifetime.